Itinerary

Day 1: Light climbs around lake Garda

We will meet at our four star boutique hotel with it’s wonderful view over Lake Garda to settle in for a few days. Build the bikes in our well equipped bike room and purchase any last-minute items from the local bike shop. Take an easy spin through the wineries and orchards or one of the more challenging routes prepared for the day. After the ride take a refreshing dip in the pool, grab a beer in the bar, enjoy a sauna, or treat yourself to a message. Tonight we will enjoy a great dinner prepared by our hotel’s chef, talk about the tour, and pass out maps and Jerseys.

Day 2: Valpolicella wine route / Wine tasting in Bardolino

Today will be a moderate intensity ride with a longer climb through the mountainous vineyards of the Valpolicella wine region. This afternoon we will enjoy wine tasting and appetizers in the lush green vineyards of Tre Colline. We will tour their wine production facilities and have a short lessen in the making of wine and olive oil. Tonight we have a special dinner planned at a reservation only agriturismo, “La Zerla.” This restaurant offers a variety of local culinary delights and a good selection of wines including their own wine produced in the vineyard that surrounds the restaurant.

Day 3: 48 Switchbacks of the Passo dello Stelvio

After breakfast we drive up the valley to test your courage and stamina against today’s highest Alpine pass. Today will be an epic ride conquering the famous Stelvio Pass, first introduced into the Giro d’Italia in 1953 and made famous after Fausto Coppi’s victory. At the top we will enjoy the view of the Italian and Swiss Alps while sipping on cappuccinos and watching tourists from all over the world mill about in this exciting atmosphere. A German sausage sandwich from the cart vendor is always a favorite on this route.

Day 4: Climb of the Sellaronda – Dolomites

Today we travel to region of the Dolomiti with our first ride around the Sellaronda massif. This moderate loop will take us over the Pordoi, Sella and Gardena passes.

Day 5: Passo Valparola, Pordoi & Fedia (Marmolada Massif)

After Breakfast, we continue exploring the Dolomites. This mountain range offers a wealth of cycling routes surrounded by stunning scenery. After climbing the pass of Valporola we continue on to Passo Fedia located just below the Marmolada Massif. Finish the day with a final climb over the Pordoi from the back side.

Day 6: Recovery – easy spin

After an early breakfast we’ll pack up and take a drive to Treviso. This town is located at the base of the Dolomite Mountains which is the start of the Granfondo Pinarello. We will go to the cycling expo and pick up our ride numbers. The cycling expo is a great place to buy souvenirs and see the newest cycling gear. After checking in, we’ll take an easy spin around the area. Today we will go to the Pinarello’s main factory outlet store.

Day 7: Granfondo Pinarello

The Granfondo Pinarello is a very well run event and offers two routes, the medium route is 80 miles and the long route is 125 miles. Both rides go through the Dolomites for breathtaking climbs and countless small villages. After the ride we’ll relax in town and enjoy a great pasta dinner.

Day 8: Adige valley, pre Alps

After the Granfondo, we’ll travel back to the lake area and finish with a spectacular loop through the Adige valley to conclude our vacation.